4th ANNUAL RUN FOR THE LOCAL WALL

MORE PHOTOS IN THE GALLERIES!

By Joe Maher

While their counterparts were gathering in Washington DC for Memorial Day activities, Southern Colorado Veterans were gathering for a ceremony of their own.

With the wind shining and a moderate breeze, the 4th Annual Run for the Local Wall sponsored by the District 8 Post 2 American Legion Riders in Pueblo took shape. With many of the riders getting there over an hour early just to visit, there was no question that the riders in this event were there for a purpose.

As Butch Chavez, Vice President of Post 2 and an Air Force Vietnam Veteran put it, "This is something we do to remember those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice, and we feel Armed Forces Day is the right day to do it on. Doing this on a motorcycle is important since so many veterans ride and give you a sense of freedom, which is one of the reasons we are here."

That freedom, and riding, was a recurring theme for the day.

“Riding is an expression of the freedom we defended,” said Post 2 President Dan Amaro, an Army Veteran of Desert Storm. “And for some veterans, it is also helps relieve the stress of PTSD.”

According to Chavez, this run is one of the many things the American Legion Riders do to help out the veterans in their area, which includes Trinidad, Walsenburg, Westcliff and La Junta. In addition to the Run For The Local Wall, one of the other things Post 2 does to help out area veterans included holding BBQ’s at the Veterans’ Nursing Home.

Residents and other Vets really enjoy seeing all the bikes arrive at these events, and the ALR has become a standard part of activities there. Another activity the American Legion Riders play a main role in is the Homeless Stand Down Day.

“It’s a day we dedicate to helping our homeless Vets,” Amaro explained. “The day is set up for homeless vets…to feed them, give them haircuts, clothes and help them with social security or any other benefits they can get.”

But May 24th was dedicated to honoring local veterans, particularly those whose names are inscribed on The Wall.

At precisely 12:30 and with a significant police escort, the lead bike let out the clutch and the ride left Hero’s Plaza en route to Pueblo’s own local Wall for the Memorial Wreath Service.

With the sun shining and a pleasant breeze, the riders snaked their way through Pueblo with many of the streets lined with supporters and those curious to see what the people were waving at.

Once at the Wall, at 26th & Elizabeth in Pueblo, the bikes were quickly parked and the riders gathered for the Memorial Service. After the Invocation, Posting of the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, the POW/MIA Table Ceremony began. For those who have not seen this, it is something that cannot be explained but rather experienced. After that came the guest speakers and presentation of numerous wreaths.

During the entire ceremony the crowd remained respectfully silent; knowing it is the sacrifice of others that allows or rather mandates such events.

This ride was not just about the veterans of yesterday, but also about those who serve today. To that end, Command Sergeant Major Patrick Valdez from Fort Carson was on hand as one of the guest speakers to talk about those who serve today and the War on Terror.

The ceremony ended with the playing of taps, the wind adding to the tune as if the sound was making its way through the souls of those who were gone, but still present to witness this ceremony.

Throughout it all, there was a current of respect, honor, and freedom.

After the ceremony, many walked up to the wall see the names, some of which they knew. There was hugging and hushed whispers not about the event, but what brought them here.

“I do this for the benefit of today’s soldiers,” said Bill McCleary, an Army Veteran of Vietnam. “We came home to a violent, uneducated, and ignorant society. I’m here to help educate people about what it is like to serve in the military. Plus I enjoy riding which helps you stand out, like being in the military should do.”

The event was followed by a reception for the participants, where the silent respect was replaced by the celebration of and for those who served. Veterans past and present will not be forgotten in Pueblo.